Cancer Prevention & Population Health
The goals of the Cancer Prevention and Population Health (CPH) program are to investigate modifiable cancer risk and disparities and develop and implement interventions that reduce the burden of cancer in the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center (UVACCC) catchment area and beyond.
The CPH program has enjoyed extraordinary and sustained growth, maturing into a robust scientific program. The program now includes 37 members with substantial peer-reviewed, grant-funded research.
CPH Program Goals
To accomplish the overarching goals, the research of the CPH program is organized around two specific aims:
CPH members:
- Identify and characterize novel risk factors through molecular and epidemiological research
- Develop novel tools for cancer risk assessment and enhanced screening
- Identify deleterious behavioral, lifestyle, and social processes and contexts that promote cancer risk, focusing primarily on diet and lifestyle factors leading to obesity and cancer risk and tobacco use, which is responsible for the high rates of lung and other tobacco related-cancers in the catchment area
CPH research targets key social, environmental, and behavioral factors known to affect cancer risk and patient outcomes, with an emphasis on cancer disparities in the catchment area.
This aim brings together members whose research:
- Tests the effectiveness of novel interventions to reduce cancer risk and improve patient outcomes
- Improves cancer care delivery and outcomes through real-world data
- Addresses and reduces racial disparities in risk and survival with the ultimate goal of implementing and disseminating evidence-based treatments and services to reduce known cancer disparities, particularly high-risk populations (especially rural Appalachia), palliative care, and hospice cancer patients
The CPH program is led by:
The CPH Program is represented by a wide variety of research interests and expertise across the Cancer Center and UVA Health.
Learn more about CPH program members and their research interests.
Cancer-Relevant Human-Subjects Research Requirements
UVACCC is charged with monitoring the cancer-relevant human-subjects research activities of all its members. All cancer-relevant human-subjects research (e.g., studies about cancer risk factors, prevention, cancer treatment, survivorship, or studies that include participants currently or previously diagnosed with cancer or their caregivers) requires review from the Protocol Review Committee to ensure that the correct level of scientific review is completed and to initiate a study record in the clinical trials management system, OnCore.
Additionally, as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are obligated to report quarterly to the NCI, via their Clinical Trials Reporting Program (CTRP), on all cancer-relevant human-subjects research activities. Click here to learn more.